The basic steps of gene cloning are

1. Insert a DNA fragment containing a gene to be cloned in a vector (a circular DNA molecule). This produces a recombinant DNA molecule.
2. The vector transports the gene into a host cell.
3. The vector multiplies along with the cloned gene in the host cell.
4. When the host cell divides, copies of recombinant DNA are passed to the daughter cells

The gene introduced through the vector is now said to be cloned.

Source

Gene Cloning & DNA Analysis by T. A. Brown